We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Congress Hotel South Beach: Traveler Reviews

3.5 of 5
1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Formerly The Strand)
Hotel website
Hotel amenities
Offers & Announcements
Complimentary bottle of wine
Congress Hotel South Beach
Ranked #63 of 199 hotels in Miami Beach
Enter dates & see best prices*
Enter dates 1 night 2 nights
Show Prices
* We search the top travel sites for the best price
Expedia.com Venere.com Travelocity
and 10 more sites!
Traveler Reviews
Room Prices
Write a Review

724 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    266
    207
    101
    87
    63
See reviews for
Families
71
 
Couples
291
 
Solo
31
 
Business
38
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    3.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
New York City, New York
1 review
“A+ Excellent”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 10, 2013

Me and my husband stayed at the Congress end of January to celebrate our anniversary and also to escape the freezing cold here in NYC. We happen to be in the hotel industry as well and we know that it can be a challenge to run a customer oriented business especially with todays competitionand internet reviews. I gotta say the Congress Hotel has got what it takes: Great management, great staff and a great product. The staff exceeded our expectations all the time. A big thank you goes out to Brian the bellman which took extra good care of us! He does a great job! Prior to our trip we also emailed Front Office Manager Eleonor C, the woman who runs the show. She accommodated us accordingly and gave us an amazing suite with Ocean view. The room has great balconies, updated furniture and a comfortable bed. We couldn't have asked for more. Eleonor even invited us for shots to get us started on our vacation. In my opinion she does an excellent job with this place. On top of it all the location is perfect (right at the beach, you can't get any closer) and the hotel is nice and updated. There is even a kitchenette in the room incase you don't want to go out and eat every evening. The pool is on the roof top with a great rooftop bar. I will definitely recommend the Congress Hotel to all friends, colleagues and family members and remember if you go to South Beach you don't necessarily need to stay at a Marriott or Hilton hotel, stay at the Congress to definitely soak in the whole Southbeach flair for that you are here for. I am certain Eleonor will take great care of you. You have to be made for this industry and she definitely is!

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Esmee88 about Congress Hotel South Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eleonor C, Front Office Manager at Congress Hotel South Beach, responded to this review
March 9, 2013
Hi Esmee,

Thank you for recently being our guest and for writing an amazing review about your stay at The Congress South Beach. I am so happy that you and your husband had such a wonderful time with us. Our staff works hard to consistently exceed our guest's expectations in the warmest and friendliest manner.

We hope to see you soon!

Eleonor
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Boutique Perfect”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2013

This was one of many trips to this unique South Beach location. Perfect location, within walking distance of everything, the beach, fine dining, everything that South Beach has to offer. The pool has one of the most amazing views of the ocean. And we love that it is open 24/7! Lots to do on site. This is the only place to stay in South Beach.

Room Tip: Our favorite is room T205 which is a one bedroom overlooking the Versace Mansion. Delightful!
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask 90265Karen about Congress Hotel South Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eleonor C, Front Office Manager at Congress Hotel South Beach, responded to this review
February 9, 2013
Thank you for the great review! I am so happy that you had such a wonderful time with us and I agree that our rooftop pool has an amazing view.

Hope to see you soon.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Morganville, New Jersey
2 reviews
“back again to the congress”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2013

My friends and I just came back from miami south beach. This is my 3rd time at the congress. We continue to return as the location can't be beat. Right next door to the clevelander and right in the heart of the action. The roof top pool is a great place to tan and party. On saturday when we where there a DJ was spinning and a decent crowd was there. The rooms are nice, comfortable 2 double beds, and a couch that turns into a little bed. It has it's own little kitchen area where we can mix our drinks and party. Overall I always find this place to fit my needs for our guys trip down to miami. The staff is great, hotel is pretty affordable considering it's right on ocean drive. We love to just stumble in from the local nightlife. Very good overall no complaints..

Room Tip: rooms on the back end of the hotel are a little quiter
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask drbeez about Congress Hotel South Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eleonor C, Front Office Manager at Congress Hotel South Beach, responded to this review
February 9, 2013
Thank you for your review, its great to know that you love staying at the Congress Hotel when your in town. Our staff takes pride in providing the best customer service possible and it seems that we are doing just that. We have pool parties every Saturday and Sunday and the music and atmosphere brings in a great crowd.

Hope to see you soon!

Eleonor
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Calgary, Canada
1 review
“The best trip ever”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

The hotel was amazing and right in the middle of all the action. Close to many night clubs and so many restaurants. When we first arrived the girl at the front did everything she could to get us the best upgrade. They also offered champaign as a welcoming drink. The pool is open 24/7, wifi is free and the staff was extremely friendly. The beach and the board walk were right across the street. The roof top pool was the highlight of the trip. It had an absolutely amazing view, a bar and it was not too busy up there. I will absolutely go back and stay there when I go back.

Room Tip: There are some rooms at the front with balconies facing the ocean. We had a one bedroom suite with a...
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask JFWE about Congress Hotel South Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eleonor C, Front Office Manager at Congress Hotel South Beach, responded to this review
February 1, 2013
Thank you for recently being our guest and for the review!

I am so happy that you had such a wonderful time with us. Our staff works hard to consistently exceed our guest's expectations in the warmest and friendliest manner.

We look forward to welcoming you home again soon.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“The Congress in South Beach”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 23, 2013

My husband and I stayed two nights at this clean and comfortable hotel right on Ocean Drive. We booked through Bookit.com and stayed for half price (otherwise the regular price would not be worth it). The hotel is comprised of three separate buildings. The Congress was within walking distance of shopping and eating. I suggest getting off of Ocean Drive and heading to Espanola Way for nice dining options. The hotel room was large and clean and the bed was comfortable. The noise below is a bit bothersome since it's like a party every night until 3-4 a.m. at the bar below, but since we only stayed two nights, we put up with it. The pool on the 5th floor has an excellent view of South Beach and the ocean. Overall all, it you can get this hotel at a discounted rate, it's worth it. Bike rentals can be found at nurmerous rental stations around South Beach. Use them, even if only for an hour. So much fun!

Room Tip: If you want a beach/ocean view you will have to put up with the street/bar noise below. Otherwise, a...
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
See 3 more reviews by mochalite for Miami Beach
Ask mochalite about Congress Hotel South Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
Congress Hotel South Beach
Enter dates 1 night 2 nights
 
La Flora
Great value on a similar hotel
Miami Beach, FL
4.5 of 5 stars 218 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in Miami Beach
Trendy
The Betsy Hotel, South Beach
The Betsy Hotel, South Beach 4.5 of 5 stars 858 reviews
Family-friendly
Surfcomber Miami South Beach, a Kimpton Hotel
Surfcomber Miami South Beach, a ... 4.5 of 5 stars 753 reviews
Romantic
The Angler's Boutique Resort
The Angler's Boutique Resort 4.5 of 5 stars 969 reviews
Luxury
Grand Beach Hotel
Grand Beach Hotel 4.0 of 5 stars 1,612 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1175532?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d120325?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d649833?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1200086?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Travelers also viewed these Miami Beach hotels
The Savoy Hotel 4.5 of 5 stars 417 reviews Edgewater South Beach 4.5 of 5 stars 484 reviews La Flora 4.5 of 5 stars 218 reviews Dream South Beach 4.5 of 5 stars 920 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d217385?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d2008516?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d120424?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1699819?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 199 hotels in Miami Beach, ranked by popularity

Been to Congress Hotel South Beach? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Congress Hotel South Beach

Also Known As:
Strand Ocean Drive Hotel
Strand Ocean Drive Miami Beach
Strand Ocean Drive
Address: 1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Formerly The Strand)
Phone Number:
Region: United States > Florida > Miami Beach
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Free High-Speed Internet Kitchenette Restaurant Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#48 On the Beach Hotels in Miami Beach
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:3.5 star (3.5*)
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Venere, Travelocity, Booking.com, BookIt.com, Olotels, Hotels.com, Agoda, EasyToBook, Cheap Tickets, Priceline, HotelsClick and Tingo so you can book your Congress Hotel South Beach reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Congress Hotel South Beach, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Congress Hotel South Beach
Enter dates & see best prices*
Enter dates 1 night 2 nights
Show Prices